SSTMI THE FAVOURITES

Pahang in danger of being blown away in final

AFTER failing to defend their Junior Hockey League (JHL) Division One title, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolts will be going for broke in the TNB Cup final today.

SSTMI will have to beat Pahang Hockey Academy (PHA) Thunderbolts at the Tun Razak Stadium to realise their dream.

By pedigree, the title seems bound for SSTMI who are no strangers to playing in the final compared to first timers Pahang.

SSTMI lost their Division One title to Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) Tigers and manager Adam Izamry Idrus said his players do not want to suffer another heartbreak.

“We had set our mind on defending the league title and then winning the Overall. After we lost the title to PJCC, the agony of defeat almost broke my players determination.

“But we worked our way into the TNB Cup final and there is no way we are going to let it slip through our fingers,” said Adam.

Even though SSTMI have a better set of players, Adam said it would be foolish to look down on Pahang.

“No. It would be suicidal to look down on any opponent even though we have a proud JHL history,” said Adam.

SSTMI have the distinction of being four-time consecutive double champions since 2012.

Pahang coach Mohamad Sufian said: “We have been dreaming of this moment for a long time but it looks like SSTMI will have a upper hand.

“But don’t expect my boys to give away the title. It will be a battle of Thunderbolts’ which will be cherished for ever.”

TODAY — TNB Cup Final: SSTMI Thunderbolts v PHA Thunderbolts (8pm); Women’s TNB Cup Final: SSTMI v KLSSWipers (5.30pm) — matches at Tun Razak Stadium.